Sewing and Dressmaking

Ref: C3673686

A course designed to develop a range of sewing skills. Develop confidence using sewing to create lots of exciting projects, including trousers, simple blouses, skirts and dresses. Utilise a range of sewing stitches learn how to hem, over lock as well as sew seams, pockets, zips and darts. Students will gain an understanding of fabrics and how to use them in their projects as well as learn to cut from simple patterns. They will also learn to read and follow commercial patterns to construct unique garments working alone as well as with the tutor.

Course aim

In this course you will learn about fabrics, take measurements of your body, use commercial patterns, cut out trousers patterns and use a variety of techniques to design and produce a garment.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

This course is suitable for beginners and improvers

By the end of the course I should be able to:

Use a tape measure accurately to measure body size.

Confidently use a commercial pattern.

Cut out patterns and fabric for garments.

Follow health and safety guidelines when using a sewing machine to create a garment.

Make alterations and complete a garment.

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning

What kind of feedback can I expect?

A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion

You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor

You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning

A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress

There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress

What else do I need to know?

A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you

It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)

you will need to provide the material for your own garment.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful

As a registered charity, and to meet our funders’ requirements, we need to check a few things with you before you book. Please could we ask that you check the list below to ensure you meet our basic criteria:

You are paying the standard fee (with a credit or debit card) or you are on any of the qualifying benefits

You have a valid email address so that you can receive confirmation of your booking